title: Diagnostic value of high-resolution sonography in common fibular neuropathy at the fibular head.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In 30% of patients with common fibular (CF) neuropathy at the fibular head, reliable localization of the site of the lesion by means of electrodiagnostic testing is challenging.
  
  
  METHODS
  We prospectively assessed proximal CF nerve cross-sectional area (CSA) measurements and at the fibular head in 87 patients with CF neuropathy and 16 with a different condition. Reference values were obtained in 64 healthy volunteers.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Patients with CF neuropathy had a significantly larger CF nerve CSA than controls and patient controls (P < 0.0001). Sonography localized the lesion at the fibular head in 55% and just above it in 71% of patients. Assessment of the most thickened part of the CF nerve resulted in a cut-off value of >8 mm² with a sensitivity of 90% (CI 81-95%) and a specificity of 69% (CI 58-78%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  High-resolution sonography in addition to electrodiagnostic testing improves diagnostic reliability in CF neuropathy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, St. Elisabeth Hospital, P.O. Box 90151, 5000, LC Tilburg, The Netherlands. l.visser@elisabeth.nl
authors.forename: Leo H
authors.initials: LH
authors.lastname: Visser
authors.forename: Vanessa
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Hens
authors.forename: Maud
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Soethout
authors.forename: Violene
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: De Deugd-Maria
authors.forename: Jacqueline
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Pijnenburg
authors.forename: Geert J F
authors.initials: GJ
authors.lastname: Brekelmans
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D004576:Electromyography; D019054:Evoked Potentials, Motor / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D005360:Fibula / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009431:Neural Conduction / Q000502:physiology; D010543:Peroneal Nerve / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D020427:Peroneal Neuropathies / Q000175:diagnosis*; D012372:ROC Curve; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000379:methods*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: diagnostic value; electrodiagnostic testing; fibular nerve; peripheral nerve; sensitivity and specificity; sonography